Antique Arms & Militaria

A 19th Century Indian Raj Period Percussion Cavalry Horse Pistol, With Damascus Twist Steel Barrel, Thus Likely For An Officer, Such as, a Risaldar/Subedar, or Risaldar Major of The Punjab Irregular Cavalry

Good walnut stock, Damascus twist barrel, percussion action lock, with government Victorian crown stamp, iron mounts including trigger guard and butt cap with lanyard ring.

Pistols of this form were mounted in pairs, each within a single saddle holster, in leg o’mutton form, fixed and hanging either side of the saddle’s pommel. These holsters were known as *saddle buckets, long before the term saddle holster was used to describe leather receptacles to carry pistols when on horseback.{see picture 10 in the gallery}.

Subedar/Risaldar or subadar was the second-highest rank of Indian officer in the military forces of British India, ranking below "British Commissioned Officers" and above "Local Non-Commissioned Officers". Indian officers were promoted to this rank on the basis of both lengths of service and individual merit.

Under British rule, a Risaldar was the cavalry equivalent of a Subedar. A Subedar / Risaldar was ranked senior to a Jemadar and junior to a Subedar Major / Risaldar Major in an infantry / cavalry regiment of the Indian Army. Both Subedars and Risaldars wore two stars as rank insignia.

In photo 8 in the gallery one can see regimental officers, subedars and subedar majors of the British Indian Army Cavalry. Note the magnificence of their stunning uniforms, a mixture of Sikh and British traditional uniform dress of the time.

After the First Sikh War of 1845-46 the fighting qualities of the Sikhs impressed the British so much that in 1846 the first two regiments of Sikh infantry were raised at Ferozepore and Ludhiana. In the same year a frontier brigade was raised to police the frontier comprising the Corps of Guides and four more infantry regiments of Sikhs.
After the Second Sikh War of 1848-49 the Punjab was annexed, bringing the British into contact with the Pathan tribes of the North-West Frontier. This led to the formation of what later became the Punjab Frontier Force, comprising the Frontier Brigade raised in 1846, five regiments of Punjab Irregular cavalry and 6 regiments of Punjab irregular infantry. From 1851 to 1865 the regiments were titled Punjab Irregular Force abbreviated to PIF so that they were nick-named Piffers, a word that continued in use up to 1947.

Each regiment had 4 squadrons, and so that the the religious/ethnic groups were clearly defined, each squadron, or half-squadron, consisted of one type only. The types found in the 5 regiments were Sikhs, Dogras, Hindustani Mulims, Hindustani Hindus, Punjabi Muslims and Pathans.

*See the last picture in the gallery that shows how saddle pistol buckets were mounted upon cavalry saddles.

Just one of the greatly respected Risaldar-Majors of the time was the great Sirdar Bahadur Risaldar-Major Mani Singh who was born in Gujranwala in the Punjab. He was the first and most famous Indian officer who served in Hodson's Horse, an irregular cavalry regiment of the British Indian army formed during the Indian Rebellion of 1857-8. During the First Sikh War of 1845-6, Mani Singh was a cavalry officer in the Sikh army fighting the British. In 1852 he enlisted as a mounted policeman in Neville Chamberlain's Punjab Police. In 1857 he was asked to raise recruits to form Hodson's Horse. He served with the British throughout the Siege of Delhi, a key event of the Indian Rebellion in which Indian troops rose up against British colonial rule. During the Battle of Nawabganj he was badly wounded having shown great bravery in action. He was awarded many of the highest decorations, including the Order of Merit 1st class, and the Order of British India 1st class. He retired from military serivce in 1877, and was subsequently made manager of the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) at Amritsar. His watercolour portrait, by Sydney Prior Hall, autographed in Urdu, was acquired by HRH Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, {later King Edward VIIth, It was one of the King's prized pieces and resides within the Royal Collection.

Small old re-stock for-end repair, very strong mainspring.  read more

Code: 25100

A Fabulous Quality Crimean War Cavalry Officer's Pistol of Carbine Bore, Damascus Barrel with Paget Style Captive Ramrod. Near Identical to the Pistol of Colonel John Yorke, 1st Royal Regt of Dragoons,.

Part of superb Crimean War period collectables we have just acquired. Beautifully scroll engraved lock and mounts, in superb condition for age, with Damascus twist barrel with hook breech and barrel slide, 'Paget' captive ramrod, juglans regia walnut stock with micro chequering and silver escutcheon. Sliding safety to lock. Dolphin percussion hammer. Excellent tight and crisp action.
Photo in the gallery of a near identical pistol, also of carbine bore, showing all the same features as this pistol, such as sliding safety, hook breech Damascus barrel retained with barrel slides, fine walnut stock with micro chequring and paget swivel ramrod. The pistol of Colonel John Yorke, 1st Royal Regt of Dragoons, wounded at Balaklava, supporting the Light Brigade in the Valley of Death. The pistol in the household Cavalry Museum.

This cavalry officer's pistol is absolutely typical of the type carried by some officer's that took part in the charge, and may very well have been used by one.

The Charge of the Light Brigade {Aka, Into the Valley of Death} was a world famous military action undertaken by British light cavalry against Russian forces during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War, resulting in many casualties to the cavalry. On 25 October 1854, the Light Brigade, led by Lord Cardigan, mounted a frontal assault against a Russian artillery battery which was well prepared with excellent fields of defensive fire. The charge was the result of a misunderstood order from the commander in chief, Lord Raglan, who had intended the Light Brigade to attack a different objective for which light cavalry was better suited, to prevent the Russians from removing captured guns from overrun Turkish positions. The Light Brigade made its charge under withering direct fire and reached its target, scattered some of the gunners but was forced to retreat immediately.

The events were the subject of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's narrative poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade" (1854), published six weeks after the event. Its lines emphasise the valour of the cavalry in carrying out their orders regardless of the risk. Responsibility for the miscommunication has remained controversial, as the order was vague and Captain Louis Nolan, who delivered the written orders with some verbal interpretation, was killed in the first minute of the assault.

Out of interest, around 30 years ago we owned the very foul weather sabretache of Captain Nolan that he used, and carried, that very order to charge the Russian guns into the Valley of Death. The sabretache, was the one upon which he fell, when he perished when fatally wounded within sixty seconds of the commencement of charge. It came to us through the family ownership and had previously been on display in two museums until the mid 20th century.

The charge;

The Light Brigade set off down the valley with Cardigan in front, leading the charge on his horse Ronald. Almost at once, Nolan rushed across the front, passing in front of Cardigan. It may be that he realised that the charge was aimed at the wrong target and was attempting to stop or turn the brigade, but he was killed by an artillery shell and the cavalry continued on its course. Captain Godfrey Morgan was close by:

The first shell burst in the air about 100 yards in front of us. The next one dropped in front of Nolan's horse and exploded on touching the ground. He uttered a wild yell as his horse turned round, and, with his arms extended, the reins dropped on the animal's neck, he trotted towards us, but in a few yards dropped dead off his horse. I do not imagine that anybody except those in the front line of the 17th Lancers saw what had happened.

We went on. When we got about two or three hundred yards the battery of the Russian Horse Artillery opened fire. I do not recollect hearing a word from anybody as we gradually broke from a trot to a canter, though the noise of the striking of men and horses by grape and round shot was deafening, while the dust and gravel struck up by the round shot that fell short was almost blinding, and irritated my horse so that I could scarcely hold him at all. But as we came nearer I could see plainly enough, especially when I was about a hundred yards from the guns. I appeared to be riding straight on to the muzzle of one of the guns, and I distinctly saw the gunner apply his fuse. I shut my eyes then, for I thought that settled the question as far as I was concerned. But the shot just missed me and struck the man on my right full in the chest.

In another minute I was on the gun and the leading Russian's grey horse, shot, I suppose, with a pistol by somebody on my right, fell across my horse, dragging it over with him and pinning me in between the gun and himself. A Russian gunner on foot at once covered me with his carbine. He was just within reach of my sword, and I struck him across his neck. The blow did not do much harm, but it disconcerted his aim. At the same time a mounted gunner struck my horse on the forehead with his sabre. Spurring "Sir Briggs," he half jumped, half blundered, over the fallen horses, and then for a short time bolted with me. I only remember finding myself alone among the Russians trying to get out as best I could. This, by some chance, I did, in spite of the attempts of the Russians to cut me down.

The Light Brigade faced withering fire from three sides which devastated their force on the ride, yet they were able to engage the Russian forces at the end of the valley and force them back from the redoubt. Nonetheless, they had suffered heavy casualties and were soon forced to retire. The surviving Russian artillerymen returned to their guns and opened fire with grapeshot and canister shot, indiscriminately at the mêlée of friend and foe before them  read more

Code: 24948

A Beautiful Full Suit of 16th Century Tudor Style Knight’s Historismus Plate Hall Armour with Halbeard Polearm. Fully Leather Strapped & Buckled So Likely, and Potentially, Wearable

Historicism or also historism and historismus comprises artistic styles that draw their inspiration from recreating historic styles or imitating the work of historic artisans. This is especially prevalent in architecture, such as revival architecture. Through a combination of different styles or implementation of new elements, historicism can create completely different aesthetics than former styles. Thus it offers a great variety of possible designs.

In the history of art, after Neoclassicism which in the Romantic era could itself be considered a historicist movement, the 19th century saw a new historicist phase marked by an interpretation not only of Greek and Roman classicism, but also of succeeding stylistic eras, which were increasingly considered equivalent. In particular in architecture and in the genre of history painting, in which historical subjects were treated of with great attention to accurate period detail, the global influence of historicism was especially strong from the 1850s onwards.

Plate armour is a historical type of personal body armour made from bronze, iron, or steel plates, culminating in the iconic suit of armour entirely encasing the wearer. Full plate steel armour developed in Europe during the Late Middle Ages, especially in the context of the Hundred Years' War, from the coat of plates worn over mail suits during the 14th century.

In Europe, plate armour reached its peak in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The full suit of armour, also referred to as a panoply, is thus a feature of the very end of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period. Its popular association with the "medieval knight” is due to the specialised jousting armour which developed in the 16th century.

Full suits of Gothic plate armour were worn on the battlefields of the Burgundian and Italian Wars. The most heavily armoured troops of the period were heavy cavalry, such as the gendarmes and early cuirassiers, but the infantry troops of the Swiss mercenaries and the Landsknechts also took to wearing lighter suits of "three quarters" munition armour, leaving the lower legs unprotected.

The use of plate armour began to decline in the early 17th century, but it remained common both among the nobility and for the cuirassiers throughout the European wars of religion. After the mid-17th century, plate armour was mostly reduced to the simple breastplate or (cuirass), worn by cuirassiers. This was due to the development of the musket, which could penetrate armour at a considerable distance. For infantry, the breastplate gained renewed importance with the development of shrapnel in the late Napoleonic wars.

Plate armour gave the wearer very good protection against sword cuts, as well against spear thrusts, and provided decent defense against blunt weapons.

The evolution of plate armour also triggered developments in the design of offensive weapons. While this armour was effective against cuts or strikes, their weak points could be exploited by thrusting weapons, such as estocs, poleaxes, and halberds. The effect of arrows and bolts is still a point of contention with regard to plate armour. The evolution of the 14th-century plate armour also triggered the development of various polearms. They were designed to deliver a strong impact and concentrate energy on a small area and cause damage through the plate. Maces, war hammers, and pollaxes (poleaxes) were used to inflict blunt force trauma through armour. Strong blows to the head could result in concussion, even if the armour is not penetrated.

Fluted plate was not only decorative, but also reinforced the plate against bending under striking or blunt impact. This offsets against the tendency for flutes to catch piercing blows. In armoured techniques taught in the German school of swordsmanship, the attacker concentrates on these "weak spots", resulting in a fighting style very different from unarmoured sword-fighting. Because of this weakness, most warriors wore a mail shirt (haubergeon or hauberk) beneath their plate armour (or coat-of-plates). Later, full mail shirts were replaced with mail patches, called gussets, which were sewn onto a gambeson or arming jacket. Further protection for plate armour was the use of small round plates called besagews, that covered the armpit area and the addition of couters and poleyns with "wings" to protect the inside of the joint.

Over the past century many visitors will have seen the numerous full suits of plate armour we have had the pleasure of displaying. 15th, 16th and 17th century originals, plus, historismus hall armours. Our most impressive, if some of you may remember, in the 1960’s, was a full suite of equestrian mounted ‘knight on horseback’ armour. And we displayed it in our shop just round the corner, in Prince Albert St, as it had 20 foot high ceilings. It looked just like the example we show as the last photo in the gallery of one such similar in a museum in America. This fabulous set was passed on to our friend and neighbour, the late arms dealer Paul Grafton, who owned the former ‘House of Correction’ for many years, and it occupied his whole shop!, but exceptionally memorable it was.
It was eventually passed on to Holland and Holland, we believe for their bespoke gun shop in London, and thence later, we understand, to an American billionaire who kept it next to his swimming pool, whereupon it became very wet and thus rusty. After that it travelled to New Jersey or Park Avenue, New York possibly, but we sadly lost track of it then

This beautiful full suit of Tudor hall plate armour is very likely circa to post 1900. We don't normally acquire or sell non original items but historismus pieces have always been desireable and most collectable in their own right.
It is offered complete with its bespoke fully fitted display stand as can be seen in the photographs. We can also facilitate bespoke hand delivery within the UK mainland by our own transport  read more

Code: 24964

An I8-19th Century Damascus Gold Inlaid Hilted Sword, A Mughal Nobleman's Tulwar. From the Punjab Region, Likely Lahore. A Beautiful Sword Of Combat Perfection Combined With Status

The hilt is of traditional form, complete with a knuckle-guard. The hilt is layered with fine gold koftgari in a floral and tendril pattern, accompanied with geometrical boarders. The gold design is consistent throughout the entirety of the hilt. The floral and tendril design is reminiscent of the Mughal empire, but similar floral gold work also became popular within Lahore and is commonly associated with the Arms and Armour of Punjab. The gold is thick, bright and well preserved. For the most part, the gold is all in tact and well preserved, there is only loss on the top of the pommel disk, which is due to age. The pommel features a rounded top, often used for striking . The pommel disk with dome topmost features a fine design. There are clear indications that this particular hilt is of Punjab manufacture: (1) the fat vase shape of the grip section, (2) the slightly forward angle of the quillons, (3) the knuckle guard that ends in a flower bud and (4) the floral style of gold koftgari. In this example, the hilt is of the 18th to 19th century, whereas the blade is an earlier example. It was common for blades and hilts to be changed and kept based on their quality. Though, it should be noted that this type of Hilt was popular amongst the Mughal Royals and made in South India, Delhi. The sword of Aurangzeb exhibits a similar style hilt in form and shape. It was formerly in the collection of Lord Kitchener of Khartoum, and was given to the museum by his descendant in 1964.. Another similar style hilt is on a Lahore tulwar, kept at the V&A.

Pattern welded steel blade inlaid in combat condition with faded gold down the whole length, with islamic cartouche.

Quote from a 19th century British officer on the efficacy of the tulwar {talwar}.

“The tulwar is a fearful weapon in skilfull hands. It is very much curved from the centre up, broad, well tempered, and keen as a razor. The scabbard is always wood or leather, as a metal one would dull the edge. Its shape not being adapted for thrusting, the point is never used, but a drawing cut invariably given, to assist which the grip is small and the handle narrow, lest it might turn in the hand. The natives are generally much more skillful in its use than our men, and sometimes wield it with an effect too terrible to be believed except by those who have witnessed it. I have several times seen a hand lopped away clean from the wrist, or a head cut off by a single blow.” —Peter Parley, 1869.

The talwar sword is a symbol of India’s martial tradition, though its legacy isn’t just confined to the theatre of war. It permeates Indian art, folklore, and culture, embodying the spirit of a bygone era where the sword was both a tool of war and a symbol of bravery, artistry, and honour.
The talwar sword was typically made from high-carbon steel, including the crucible Wootz steel, known for its longevity and ability to hold a sharp edge. Its unique shape, with a pronounced curve and an often wide, flat blade, also allowed for powerful slicing and chopping motions. The blade – usually around 70 centimetres long – not only enhanced its cutting efficiency but also made it ideal for mounted combat, where swift, sweeping strikes were crucial. The hilt was frequently adorned with intricate designs and sometimes jewelled, featured a cross-guard and a disc-shaped pommel, providing excellent grip and balance.

Like many swords of the era, the talwaar was brutally destructive but aesthetically beautiful. In the seventeenth century, some of the most talented swordsmiths would craft blades with a chevron pattern by welding separate pieces of steel together. Some hilts would be inlaid with silver or gold, known as koftgari, and the inside of the knuckle guard or under the pommel were sometimes inscribed with a devotional message or with the name of the owner of the sword and the date it was made.
The tulwar was not just a weapon but also a status symbol, often richly decorated and carried by nobility and elite soldiers. Its use was widespread across the Indian subcontinent, and it played a pivotal role in numerous historical conflicts and battles.  read more

Code: 25716

A Rare, and Most Attractive Early Model Antique Smith & Wesson Mahoghany Cased .38 Cal. Double Action 5 Shot Revolver. Rare Three Figure Serial Number Circa 1880

Blued finish, original S & W hardened rubber grips, square back trigger guard, with 31/4 inch barrel. Tip up barrel with T section release lever catch and automatic cartridge ejector. Green baize lined case interior, polished mahogany wood case with single lidded tool receptacle. Fully functioning action and deactivated to UK spec. with certificate

Smith & Wesson was well positioned at the start of the American Civil War to provide additional revolvers (generally bought by individuals as additional firepower) to both sides of the conflict, with orders outpacing production. After the end of the American Civil War, Smith & Wesson turned from smaller pocket revolvers favored during the war years to larger framed models designed for open use with the expansion into the American West. In 1870, the Smith & Wesson Model 3 was released becoming the Schofield revolver as it was adopted by the U.S. Army chambered in .44 S&W (later in .45 S&W). The Model 3 became the first cartridge-firing handgun adopted by the U.S. Army.

The same revolver was also adopted by the Russian Empire in .44 Russian. This popular top-break single-action revolver remained in production into the early 20th century. 1880 saw the release of the first double-action revolver by Smith and Wesson (the 38 DA). With the popularity of double-action revolvers,

1st Model. Manufactured in 1880, with serial numbers from 1 to about 4,000. (The ending serial number is approximate; the exact transition number from 1st to 2nd model is unknown.) Features a straight-sided sideplate, a rocker-type cylinder stop, short cylinder flutes with double stop notches and free cuts on the cylinder, a reverse-curved trigger-guard bow, and a front sight pinned in place. It came in both 3-1/4- and 4-inch barrel lengths.

2nd Model. Manufactured from 1880 to 1884, with serial numbers from about 4,001 to approximately 119,000. (Again, the exact transition number to the 3rd Model is unknown.) Features an irregularly shaped sideplate, a rocker-type cylinder stop, short cylinder flutes with double stop notches and free cuts on the cylinder, a reverse-curved trigger-guard bow, and a front sight pinned in place. It was produced in 3-1/4-, 4-, 5-, and 6-inch barrel lengths.

This revolver is serial numbered within the first 200 manufactured in 1880.

Photo 9 in the gallery shows the interior with small tool section covered lid removed, revealing a turnscrew and barrel cleaning brush, and six dummy rounds set within the spare bullet retainer.

Deactivated with UK certificate, not suitable to export.  read more

Code: 25696

Very Rare French 6 inch Howitzer Iron Cannon Ball. Recovered From Waterloo Battle Site and Weighing Around 24 Pounds. This Is One From An Amazing Collection of Waterloo Finds, The Other French 6 inch Howitzer Round Shot We Sold Immediately Two Weeks Ago

Very rare piece indeed, in that the Howitzer were sparsely used at Waterloo, due to their size, with 6 regular cannon, used in support, by the French artillery, for every two Howitzers used, and each Howitzer was operated with a 13 man crew. And of course, more than half of all the Howitzer six inch rounds were explosive, and thus detonated, leaving no residual cannonball to recover. This is the round shot non-explosive version

What an amazing, large and impressive historical centrepiece for any collector or collection. Imagine the family gatherings or dinner parties that would be enlivened by such an incredible historical artefact and conversanaturally failed to detonate.tion piece! To speculate the incredible hours of battle, with hand to hand combat and the frantic melee that this cannonball was involved within, fired by a French Howitzer crew at the heroic British infantry, or our valiant Prussian volunteer allies of the Kings German Legion, during the glorious defence of La Haye Saint, or the British Guards regiments defenders of Hougemont

The artillery of the French army was almost completely redesigned by Jean Baptiste Grimbeauval from 1765 onwards, standardising gun calibres and making gun carriages lighter and easier to transport, allowing for more flexible and efficient manoeuvring. A typical French artillery battery during the Napoleonic Wars was made up of four to six cannons with the support of two 6-inch howitzers. The shell we discovered would have had a maximum range of around 1100m and would have been most deadly at a range of 640m

Our shell would have been shot from a 6-inch howitzer, that fired, either hollow cast or solid round shot cannonballs. Around 24lb in iron weight for a hollow cast exploding mortar, and around 30lb in weight for round shot. It was the largest of the 3 sizes of howitzer used by the French during the Battle of Waterloo, which would have required 4 horses to draw it and 13 crewmen to fire it – an efficient team would have been able to fire one round ever minute.

A cannonball is a solid ball of metal, known as round shot, which could smash through the ranks of soldiers, causing massive devastation. In contrast, an explosive mortar howitzer shell is a hollow iron sphere filled with gunpowder, with a slow burning fuse fitted to the case. Once lit, it was intended to explode above the heads or at the feet of the Allied soldiers, causing enormous amounts of damage to their formations. A howitzer throws it shells high into the air with a sharp trajectory, and is designed to bring ‘indirect fire’ down on enemy formations either in buildings as at Hougoumont, or, as here, behind a ridge and out of direct sight. While the shell discovered at Mont Jean is known as a 6-inch howitzer shell, an Old French inch is actually equivalent to 1.066 modern inches, so the dug up shell was in fact 6.4 inches in diameter but with size losses due to surface erosion.

We show in the gallery the 6 inch French Howitzer cannon ball recently recovered at Mont St Jean at Waterloo, that when fired, impacted deep underground, and was latterly recovered from the dig. The engraving photographed in our gallery shows the farm house of Mont St. Jean. This house being close to the rear of the action, it was much dilapidated by random shot (1815). Engraver James Rouse. Note the round shot impacts through its walls.  read more

Code: 25699

Most Rare & Desirable, Roman Legionary's Status Ring, An Original Ancient Roman Bronze Ring Engraved With A Roman Legion’s Eagle Around 1900 to 2000 Years Old From The Era From Emperor Augustus to Emperor Commodus

A fabulous Ancient Roman bronze Legionary's ring, in excellent condition for its great age, and very possibly a centurion as it was a symbol of status and high rank within a cohort of a Roman legion, from the era of the earliest and most famous emperors. The circular bezel is intaglio engraved with a stylized Legionary Eagle. In superb, original, natural age patina of a rich dark bronze colour. The eagle was a powerful symbol to the Roman military. With each Roman legion a special eagle-bearer (aquilifer) had the honour of carrying the Legionary Eagle standard into battle and to guard its existence. Unusually, it is a comfortably wearable sized ring {which is somewhat rare due to original ancient Roman rings and armilla being usually smaller sized} In copper bronze with stunning, natural age patination.. By far the greatest percentage of rings from the Roman era were engraved in the stylised form. The wearing of the ring was the prerogative alone of Roman citizens or those of high rank and esteem, and legionaries. Some gladiators always aspired to but rarely achieved the ring likely due to their short life span within their violent craft. However, some did achieve such great success and were rewarded with riches, freedom and the right to wear the traditional Roman bronze status ring.

Made for and used by an Imperial German Legionary during the era of the following Emperors;

Augustus (27 BC–14 AD
Tiberius (14–37 AD}
Caligula (37–41 AD
Claudius (41–54 AD
Nero (54–68 AD
Galba (68–69 AD
Otho (January–April 69 AD
Aulus Vitellius (July–December 69 AD
Vespasian (69–79 AD
Titus (79–81 AD
Domitian (81–96 AD
Nerva (96–98 AD
Trajan (98–117 AD
Hadrian (117–138 AD
Antoninus Pius (138–161 AD
Marcus Aurelius (161–180 AD
Lucius Verus (161–169 AD
Commodus (177–192 AD

The eagle was a powerful symbol to the Roman military. With each Roman legion a special eagle-bearer (aquilifer) had the honour of carrying the Legionary Eagle standard into battle and to guard its existence.

During a battle, the standard was carried by the aquilifer, or "eagle-bearer."

The standard was the mode of communication for generals and troops. A horn blast would instruct the soldiers to look to the emblem, then the aquilifer would wave, raise, or lower it to direct the troops on their next move.

The bearer was also tasked with guarding the standard. In terms of rank, aquilifers fell just underneath centurions. Within the legion, they received higher pay and better rations than the typical soldier.

The standard served as a symbol to place the legion as a collective above the individual. Losing a standard was emotionally devastating because of its intense symbolism. When one was lost in battle, the surviving legionaries were left in shame for failing their fallen brothers in arms. The group promptly disbanded and members devoted themselves to reacquiring the lost icon.
Standards often included an image of the reigning emperor or his name beneath the eagle, adding to the importance of the symbol. In many instances, the eagle on the standard was perched above an orb, signifying Rome's dominion over the entire world.

Subdivisions of legions each carried a smaller standard that identified their group number or name. These were used to quickly assemble the components of the legion when mobilizing for battle.
Some of the most famous standards in Roman history were the ones lost at the Battle of Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD. During a long campaign to conquer Germania, the tribes lured three legions into the forest and launched a guerilla warfare campaign, slaughtering the Roman soldiers.

In 16 AD, General Germanicus led his Roman troops into Germania to seize the lost standards, crossing borders established by Augustus.
Eagles played a central role in Roman life and culture, right from the society's inception.

The aquila, or eagle, is one the most enduring symbols of Roman civilization.

While different animals and mythological creatures served as meaningful signifiers throughout the Republic and Imperial eras, the eagle continuously symbolized power and authority.

In the city's founding myth, the brothers Romulus and Remus agreed to settle their dispute over where to build their kingdom by letting the gods decide. Remus spotted six eagles and Romulus later spotted twelve of the birds.
The eagle was considered majestic and transcendent, to the point that live birds were often caged on emperors' funeral pyres. Once they broke free and flew skyward, the Romans considered it a manifestation of the deceased emperor's transition to godhood.

Ancient Romans esteemed the eagle and adopted it as a symbol of victory. Pliny the Elder wrote extensively on eagles, noting that they possessed excellent eyesight and were skilled parents.

Symbolically, he claimed eagles were the only creature immune to lightning strikes, underscoring their divinity. Up to modernity, eagles are depicted with lightning bolts clutched in their talons.
The earliest standard used by the Roman army was a bundle of straw affixed to a tall staff. Over time, the Romans began using emblems of eagles, wolves, minotaurs, horses, and boars.

Following a crushing defeat in 105 BC at the Battle of Arausio during the Cimbrian War, the Romans completed a self-assessment. The consul Gaius Marius led a reorganization of the military structure. Marius' reforms transformed the Roman legions from a loose militia into a professional fighting force.

As part of the restructure, he declared the eagle as the military's standard and retired the other four creatures mentioned above. Putting the emphasis on the eagle was meant to place its central qualities, bravery and power, at the forefront of the army's identity.

From the mid-Republican era onwards, the legion's standard was a bronze or silver Aquila with spread wings.

Outside diameter: 28mm, ring size UK S 1/2  read more

Code: 25702

A Spectaular Looking, Rare & Super Example of a 17th -18th Century Matchlock Musket

A rare, antique 17th century Turkish Ottoman Empire matchlock musket. The musket has an octagonal Damascus steel barrel struck with the makers mark, and a figured Circassian walnut stock extensively banded in brass. Only a few Ottoman matchlock muskets of this type survive in Turkey, most can be seen outside of Turkey at museums in Poland and Ukraine as the muskets were taken from the Turks as booty by the Poles and the Cossacks during the 17th century wars with the Ottoman Empire.

Similar guns are published in the Turkish catalogue of Ottoman Firearms at the Askeri Military Museum Harbiye Istanbul. " Askeri Muze Osmanli Ve Cumhuriyet Donemi ATESLI SILAHLAR katalogu"by Aysel Cotelioglu.

These types of Turkish guns were very popular and widely used by Zaporozhian and Don Cossacks during the 17th century. The Zaporozhian Cossacks, Zaporozhian Cossack Army, Zaporozhian Host were Cossacks who lived beyond the rapids of the Dnieper River, the land also known under the historical term Wild Fields in today's Central Ukraine. Today much of its territory is flooded by the waters of Kakhovka Reservoir.

The Zaporozhian Sich grew rapidly in the 15th century from serfs fleeing the more controlled parts of the Polish?Lithuanian Commonwealth. It became established as a well-respected political entity with a parliamentary system of government. During the course of the 16th, 17th and well into the 18th century, the Zaporozhian Cossacks became a strong political and military force that challenged the authority of the Polish?Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Tsardom of Russia, and the Crimean Khanate.

The Host went through a series of conflicts and alliances involving the three powers, including supporting an uprising in the 18th century. Their leader signed a treaty with the Russians. This group was forcibly disbanded in the late 18th century by the Russian Empire, with most of the population relocated to the Kuban region in the South edge of the Russian Empire. The Cossacks served a valuable role of conquering the Caucasian tribes and in return enjoyed considerable freedom granted by the Tsars. As with all our antique guns, no license is required as they are all unrestricted antique collectables  read more

Code: 22112

An 18th Century Flintlock Long Barrel Sporting Musket

Absolutely perfect as an original decorative display piece for the right location. Nice stock, flintlock action [not actionable] 52.5 inches long overall. This would make a delightful original display piece for any suitable location. Under barrel brass plate strengthening supports.The royal forest was an area of land designated to the king for hunting and forestry; it included woodland, heathland, and agricultural land. As of the 12th century nearly a third of England's territory was assigned as royal forest. Only the king and other permitted members of the nobility were allowed to hunt game in the assigned area. To maintain this restriction, forest law was introduced to enforce the boundaries. Special officials known as foresters were in charge of overseeing forest law. The foresters were among the most hated of royal officials as they were often corrupt, having a reputation for making illegal side profits on royal forest property by farming, extracting natural resources, and poaching game. They exacted many punishments for poaching game, farming, and other illegal activities on the royal forest. Heavy fines and imprisonment were the common discipline. While foresters were in charge of the upkeep of forest law, sometimes the king would employ the local sheriff to get involved. Hunting, however, was not the only function for the royal forest. Kings would also use these territories for cattle upbringing, farming, and extracting the land's resources. They also notably served as reserves for all kinds of wildlife. King Henry I of England was known for having a fascination with pet animals. His parks included wild animals like lions and leopards. Forest laws in regards to hunting created class distinctions. King Richard II of England issued the first game law in 1390. It constituted a property requirement of certain value to have hunting dogs or other hunting equipment. During the Regency period, game birds were shot in different ways, though Driven Game shooting was popular on larger estates. Here, where beaters are employed to drive game towards a line of standing guns through woods and over moors or fields, dependent on the quarry and time of year. The total bag (number of birds shot) will be anywhere between 80 and 300, again dependent on quarry etc. The day will be very formal, and gamekeepers or a shoot captain will oversee proceedings. Pickers-up are also employed to make sure all shot game is collected. On such estates, large numbers of pheasants, partridge and duck, but not grouse, may be released to maintain numbers. Shotguns (also known as a fowling piece or scattergun) were improved during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and game shooting became more popular. To protect the pheasants for the shooters, gamekeepers culled vermin such as foxes, magpies and birds of prey almost to extirpation in popular areas, and landowners improved their coverts and other habitats for game. Game Laws were relaxed in 1831 which meant anyone could obtain a permit to take rabbits, hares and gamebirds.  read more

Code: 23478

A Very Scarce French Chassepot Rifle Musketoon Modele 1866 Colonial Inlay

Last used by the French Colonial Spahi in WW1. The scarce French Army Musketoon model, St Etienne. Converted to the Gras system in 1874. Used from the Franco Prussian war right throught WW1 by the French Colonial Spahi. This rifle was laterly renamed the 1866-74 after it was converted to the Gras system. Then in the latter part of its working life this rifle has been transferred to the French colonial troops, the famous Spahi, and over decoratedby them with typical Spahi flamboyant inlays at the butt. We show photos of a French Curassier using his 1866 Chassepot musketoon in the Franco Prussian War, French Infantry using their Chassepot, and the French Colonial Spahi using the 1866-74 musketoon into WW1.

Spahis were light cavalry regiments of the French army recruited primarily from the indigenous populations of Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. The modern French Army retains one regiment of Spahis as an armoured unit, with personnel now recruited in mainland France. Senegal also maintains a mounted unit with spahi origins as a presidential escort: the Red Guard.he spahi regiments saw extensive service in the French conquest of Algeria, in the Franco-Prussian War, in Tonkin towards the end of the Sino-French War (1885), in the occupation of Morocco and Syria, and in both World Wars. A detachment of Spahis served as the personal escort of Marshal Jacques Leroy de Saint Arnaud in the Crimean War and were photographed there by Roger Fenton. A contingent of Spahis also participated in the North China campaign of 1860. During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 one detached squadrons of Spahis formed part of the forces defending Paris, while a provisional regiment comprising three squadrons was attached to the Army of the Loire.2 A serious rising against French rule in Algeria during 1871?72 was sparked off by the mutiny of a squadron of Spahis who had been ordered to France to reinforce those units already there. Pahis were sent to France at the outbreak of war in August 1914. They saw service during the opening period of mobile warfare but inevitably their role diminished with the advent of trench warfare. During World War I the number of units increased with the creation of Moroccan Spahi regiments and the expansion of the Algerian arm. By 1918 there were seven Spahi regiments then in existence, all having seen service on the Western Front, in addition a detached squadron had served in Palestine against the Ottoman Empire. 11mm calibre, .20+ inch barrel. Obsolete antique no licence required. Its inventor was, Antoine Alphonse Chassepot, and it became the French service weapon in 1866. It was first used at the battlefield at Mentana, November 1867, where it inflicted severe losses on Garibaldi's troops. The event was reported at the French Parliament: "Les Chassepots ont fait merveille!", {The Chassepots did marvelous execution !} In the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) it proved greatly superior to the German Dreyse needle gun, outranging it by 2 to 1. Although it was a smaller caliber but the chassepot ammunition had more gunpowder and thus faster muzzle velocity. The Chassepots were responsible for most of the Prussian and other German casualties during the conflict. Small Gras cartridge adaption bolt head lacking. As with all our antique guns no license is required as they are all unrestricted antique collectables  read more

Code: 21713